“I had no direction in my life whatsoever when I came here… Now I want to go back to school to become an addiction therapist, so that I can be part of other people’s recovery and a positive force in their life like the staff at Beaches was for me.”

Short List of Florida Drug Possession Law

People addicted to illicit drugs face significant legal jeopardy. Under the Florida Statutes Section 893.13, it’s illegal simply to hold certain amounts of controlled substances. In other words, getting caught by police will lead to drug court and possibly prison time. Therefore, learning the various Florida drug possession laws is vital to protect your freedom. Knowing the risks of your drug habit could also motivate you to seek addiction treatment programs. Below we’ve provided a brief explanation of the Florida drug possession laws in five categories called Schedules.

Schedule I

First, Schedule I is the most severe class of highly addictive drugs that offer zero medical value. Hence, here you’ll find heroin, cocaine, LSD, and ecstasy classified. Having less than 10 grams of these drugs is a third-degree felony with up to five years in jail. However, larger amounts constitute a first-degree felony punished by a maximum 30 years.

Schedule II

Second, Schedule II are opiate painkillers, heavily restricted by doctors. Thus, Florida drug possession laws include codeine, methadone, oxycodone, and amphetamines here. Having four or more grams of drugs derived from opium is always a second-degree felony. Consequently, the offense results in up to 10 years in prison.

Schedule III

Third, Schedule III is the group of medically used drugs that pose medium risks of physical or psychological dependence. For example, testosterone, diazepam, ketamine, and Vicodin fall into this bracket. In Florida, violating Schedule III drug laws is a third-degree felony. Accordingly, the sentence can be up to five years or $5,000 in penalties.

Schedule IV

Fourth, Schedule IV is a widely used class of medications that are only illegal without a valid doctor’s prescription. Namely, you’ll find valium, Xanax, Ativan, and Ambien classified here. The Florida possession laws state that having four to 14 grams of these drugs is trafficking. Thereupon, the offender receives a minimum three-year sentence.

Schedule V

Lastly, Schedule V is the lowest category of relatively safe drugs that contain limited traces of controlled narcotics. For instance, Tylenol, Lyrica, and Robitussin with codeine are included here. Possessing these drugs isn’t prosecutable in Florida. Nonetheless, selling Schedule V drugs on the street is a first-degree misdemeanor resulting in 12 months jail time or a $1,000 fine.

Avoid Arrest for Florida Drug Possession Laws

Are you or a loved one unable to stop using drugs despite the legal threats? Then, now’s the time to search for substance abuse treatment programs in Florida. Beaches Recovery is a leading, accredited Jacksonville facility using evidence-based and holistic methods to treat addiction. Specifically, we wean clients off drugs at our premier Tides Edge detox. Following that, our experienced clinical team will address your needs with select services, such as: